Method and apparatus for applying liquid nutrients between parallel rows of standing crops

ABSTRACT

Liquid nutrients are applied to a first group of rows of standing crops by pulling a drag hose from a reel located at one end of a field and between two crop rows with the drag hose connected to an applicator pulled by a tractor or track units. The hose provides a liquid supply to the applicator. At the opposite end of the field, the applicator is turned 180°, and in one embodiment, a boom pivots to project from one end of the applicator to the drag hose. The applicator returns down adjacent crop rows back to the first end of the field with the applicator connected to the drag hose while the reel simultaneously retracts the drag hose between the two crop rows. The reel is moved axially to a third group of crop rows along with the applicator, and the steps are repeated.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser.No. 15/666,893, filed Aug. 2, 2017, which is a continuation-in part ofpatent application Ser. No. 14/296,679, filed Jun. 5, 2014, U.S. Pat.No. 10,189,673, which claims the benefit of Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/956,391, filed Jun. 7, 2013.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various methods and equipment have been proposed and/or used forapplying liquid nutrients, such as liquid manure, to large fields beforecrops are planted or soon after planting, and some of the equipmentcommonly uses an elongated flexible and hard drag hose which is woundonto a large spool or reel. The inlet of the drag hose receives theliquid manure from a supply line connected to a pump which receives theliquid from a supply source such as a pond or tank or a tank on avehicle. The outlet of the hose is connected to a combined tool bar andapplicator which is carried or pulled into the field by a vehicle suchas a farm tractor. The reel with the wound hose may be carried by atrailer pulled by the tractor, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,907,925 and 7,744,012. It is also known to pull the hose from asupply reel located at an end or middle of the field and back and forthacross the field by the tractor and applicator soon after a crop isplanted, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,427,612 and8,256,692,

It has been determined that the best time for applying liquid manure orliquid nutrients to a field used for growing row crops is after thecrops have begun to grow but before they go through the process of usingthe majority of nutrients they use, for example, after parallel rows ofcorn have grown over one or two feet. This keeps the nutrients withinthe liquid from reaching or flowing or leaking into adjacent streams,rivers or lakes. It is also highly desirable to apply the liquidnutrients efficiently without significantly compacting the soil whichresults when a large reel wound with a drag hose is carried by a trailerpulled into a field while the liquid is being pumped through the hose oras a result of pulling or transporting a large tank filled with liquidnutrients through the field with a tractor. For example, when a reelhaving an extended length of drag hose, for example, over 2,000 feet, isfilled with the liquid, the combined weight of the reel, drag hose,liquid and trailer is substantial and significantly compacts the soil inthe field and can damage the crops, including the end crop rows in thefield when the equipment turns to apply the liquid to another group orplurality of crop rows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an improved system or method andapparatus for applying liquid nutrients such as liquid manure betweenparallel rows of standing crops growing in a field and with minimaldamage to the crops. In accordance with illustrated embodiments of theinvention, an elongated flexible and hard drag hose is wound onto apower driven hose reel with the hose having an inlet end and an outletend and an inside diameter of several inches. The hose reel is supportedby a trailer or vehicle for axial movement adjacent a first end of afield and in a direction perpendicular to the rows of crops extendingthe length of the field. The inner end of the drag hose wound on thereel receives the liquid nutrients pumped from a supply source.

In one embodiment, the outer end of the drag hose extends from the hosereel to an end portion of a supply line or conduit supported by orformed by an elongated boom having an opposite end portion which may besupported by a wheel. An end portion of the boom is pivotally connectedto a central or end portion of an elongated applicator which is carriedby or pulled by a tractor adapted to move between the crop rows with theapplicator extending transversely or perpendicular to the rows. Theopposite end portion of the supply line or conduit is connected to aliquid distribution system carried by the applicator and having outletslocated between the crop rows. While the liquid nutrients are pumpedinto the inlet end of the drag hose supported by the hose reel, the draghose is pulled with the tractor in alignment with the center of thetractor and from the hose reel between two adjacent rows of crops sothat the hose reel rotates on its axis perpendicular to the crop rows.

The drag hose is maintained between the two adjacent rows of crops whilebeing pulled from the reel with the tractor. At the opposite end of thefield, the tractor and applicator make a 180 degree turn while the boomand supply line or conduit are elevated to swing over the crops, withthe boom projecting from an end of the applicator. The tractor andapplicator are positioned with the applicator perpendicular to anothersecond plurality of crop rows.

As the tractor and applicator return to the first end of the field, theliquid nutrients are preferably supplied continuously through the draghose, supply conduit and applicator distribution system to the secondplurality of crop rows. The drag hose is maintained between the twoadjacent crop rows with the boom and conduit extending laterally fromthe tractor and applicator and while the drag hose is wound back ontothe hose reel. With the rewinding of the drag hose onto the hose reel,the rewinding is synchronized, preferably by a remote control from thetractor, with the return of the tractor and applicator to the first endof the field. The hose reel and rewound hose are then moved axially withthe vehicle or trailer and in a direction perpendicular to the crop rowsto a third plurality of crop rows where the tractor with the applicatorare repositioned with the boom retracted so that the above steps forapplying the liquid nutrients may be repeated.

The boom has a length generally the same as or about one half the lengthof the applicator, and the outer end portion of the boom, which carriesor forms the supply line or conduit, may be supported by a wheel and maybe elevated to clear the crops at the turn. The wheel support frame mayalso be connected to a hydraulic cylinder or motor controlled from thepulling tractor for elevating the boom and supply conduit and/or forrotating the boom support wheel. When the boom is elevated with theapplicator as controlled from the tractor at the opposite end of thefield, the extended boom swings to a position projecting from the end ofthe applicator while the tractor and applicator are making the U-turn atthe opposite end of the field.

The hose reel may be moved axially during winding and unwinding of thedrag hose in order to maintain the drag hose between the two adjacentrows of standing crops during a full round trip of the tractor andapplicator. The hose reel may also be moved axially either with ahydraulic motor connected to a carriage supported by parallel tracks onthe vehicle or by moving the vehicle linearly, for example byhydraulically driving the wheels on the vehicle. As the drag hoseunwinds from the hose reel or is rewound on the hose reel, the positionof the drag hose may be detected by a sensing system which controls theaxial movement of the hose reel through a hydraulic valve which controlsthe linear movement of the carriage on the vehicle or the linearmovement of the vehicle to produce axial movement of the hose reelaccording to the helical winding of the hose on the reel. The drag hoseon the reel may also be guided by a set of rollers supported by a frameconnected to the reel support and projecting from one side of the reelto direct and align the hose between the two rows of crops duringunwinding and rewinding of the hose.

Another embodiment of the invention incorporates an elongated applicatorhaving a tubular frame forming a toolbar and conduit and which issupported by two tractors in the form of power driven narrow endlessflexible tracks. The outer end portion of the drag hose is connected toone end of the applicator by a pivotal boom forming a continuous conduitfor the liquid nutrients. The end portion of the applicator alsosupports a power unit which supplies power to the motors within theendless tracks. A plurality of longitudinally spaced coulter units aresupported by corresponding inclined tubular conduits for supplyingliquid nutrients between the rows of crops. The coulter units areretractable by hydraulic cylinders for movement between a groundengaging position and a retracted position generally above the crops.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing description, the accompanying drawings and the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of a field with parallel rows ofstanding and growing crops and illustrating the general construction anduse of equipment or apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention for applying liquid nutrients between the rows of standingcrops with a drag hose;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a vertically movable wheel for supporting aboom which carries a liquid nutrient supply line or conduit connected toan applicator attached to a tractor, as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a vehicle frame supporting ahose reel for rotation on its axis and for axial movement of the hosereel and drag hose with the vehicle.

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a rearward portion of an elevated boomsupported by wheel and with a pivotable end portion of the boomsupporting a flexible rearward portion of the supply line connected tothe drag hose;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view of the rearward portion of the boom andsupply line shown in FIG. 4 and also showing a motor drive for rotatingthe caster wheel;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of the inlet end of the hosereel for supplying liquid nutrients to the drag hose;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the drive for the hosereel;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an applicator pivotally connected to theboom and supply line;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of rearward end portions of the boom andsupply line connected by flexible hoses to the outlet end of the draghose;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic plan view of a field, similar to FIG. 1, andillustrating the general construction of apparatus constructed inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention for applying liquidnutrients between rows of standing crops and with the apparatus movingoutwardly from one or home end of a field toward the opposite end of thefield;

FIG. 11 is a plan view similar to FIG. 10 and showing the apparatusreturning to the first or home end of the field in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the applicator used in the apparatusshown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is generally a plan view of a apparatus shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary perspective view of the applicator shown inFIGS. 10-13 and with center and end portions broken away and showing thedirection of flow liquid nutrients through the applicator;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary perspective view of the applicator shown inFIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a center portionof the applicator shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a center portionof the applicator shown in FIGS. 14 and 15;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary perspective view of a center portion of theapplicator and showing the releasable coupling or hitch connection forpulling the drag hose through a flexible hose coupling;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIG. 18 and showingthe release of the drag hose and boom from the center portion of theapplicator at the opposite end of the field;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary perspective view of the applicator before theboom connected to the drag hose is released;

FIG. 21 is another fragmentary perspective view of the applicator withthe boom and drag hose being returned to the outgoing position of theapplicator;

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary perspective view of the applicator with a topwall portion of the supply conduit broken away to show a mechanism forcutting or reducing solids in the flow of liquid nutrients;

FIG. 23 is a an exploded view of a coulter assembly shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the support for the circularcoulter blades shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a generalized perspective view of another embodiment of theinvention with an applicator for applying liquid nutrients betweenparallel rows of standing crops;

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary plan view of the applicator shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary perspective view of the applicator shown inFIGS. 25 and 26 with coulter units retracted upwardly and the outlet endportion of the drag hose and support boom retracted upwardly;

FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic plan view showing use of the applicator ofFIGS. 25 and 26 within a field of parallel rows of standing crops;

FIGS. 29 and 30 are perspective views of the applicator shown in FIGS.25-27 and in use in FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a vertical section view of the applicator shown in FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is an end view of the applicator shown in FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 shows the applicator of FIG. 25 and connected to a drag hoseextending from a supply reel when the applicator begins to supply liquidnutrients at the first end of the field; and

FIG. 34 shows a turn of the applicator after it returns to the first endof the field.

DESCRIPTION OF APPARATUS CONSTRUCTED AND USED IN ACCORDANCE WITHINVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a large diameter spool or reel 15 is helicallywound with multiple courses of an elongated flexible and hard drag hose20 which has an inner inlet connected to a flexible supply line 22extending from a supply source 25 of liquid nutrients which herein maybe referred to as liquid. The reel 15 has a large diameter, for example,about fourteen feet, and an axial length of about twelve feet. The draghose 20 has an inner diameter, for example, over four inches andpreferably about five inches in diameter, and an extended length, forexample, over 2,000 feet and preferably over 2500 feet. The reel 15 andwound drag hose 20 may be supported for axial movement, for example, adistance of fourteen feet by a carriage 30 which travels on parallelspaced rails 32 of a vehicle or trailer 35 pivotally connected by ahitch to a tow tractor 38.

Axial movement of the reel 15 and linear movement of the carriage 30 maybe produced by a reversible hydraulic motor (not shown) which drives achain extending under the reel 15 within the trailer and having oppositeend portions connected to opposite ends of the carriage 30. The chainmay be driven by the reversible hydraulic motor, and another reversiblehydraulic motor 36 (FIG. 7) may be carried by the vehicle 35 and isconnected to rotate the reel 15 through a horizontal drive shaft 40connected by chains 41 which extend around opposite end portions of thereel 15 and around corresponding sprockets on the drive shaft. Ahydraulic actuated clutch 37 and brake 38 may be used to connect thereversible hydraulic motor 36 to the drive shaft for preciselycontrolling the reversible rotation of the reel 15 on the carriage 30 orvehicle 35.

It is also within the scope of the invention to move the reel 15 axiallyby supporting the reel 15 for rotation only on the vehicle 35 anddriving each of the wheels 39 supporting the vehicle 35 with areversible and controllable hydraulic motor. All of the hydraulic motorson the vehicle 35 are supplied with pressurized hydraulic fluid from areservoir and engine driven pump on the vehicle or from the tow tractor38, and the motors may be remotely controllable. As shown in FIG. 3,opposite end portions of the vehicle 35 may have hydraulically actuatedcylinders 42 with downwardly projecting piston rods supportingretractable stabilizing pads 43 for engaging the ground when the draghose 20 is being pulled and unwound from the reel 15 to prevent tiltingof the vehicle 35. Either cylinder 42 may be inclined or vertical.

As also shown in FIG. 3, when the drag hose 20 is pulled from the reel15 or is helically rewound on the reel by the hydraulic motor 36 whichrotates the reel, the drag hose 20 may pass between a pair of verticallyspaced guide rollers 46 supported by a frame 48 supported for tiltingmovement on a vertical axis relative to the carriage 30. A pair ofopposing vertical rollers or plastic guide strips 52 are also supportedby the frame 48, and a control rod may be connected to the frame 48 tosense tilting movement of the frame on the vertical axis as the draghose 20 is unwound or rewound on the reel 15. The control rod may beconnected to a hydraulic valve (not shown) which controls the hydraulicmotor connected to move the carriage 30 on the trailer or vehicle 35horizontally back and forth to obtain uniform helically winding of thedrag hose 20 on the reel 15. The hydraulic valve may also be used tomove the vehicle 35 back and forth by controlling the hydraulic motorswhich drive the wheels 39 of the vehicle.

The opposite outlet end of the drag hose 20 is connected by a flexibleline or hose coupling 58 (FIG. 4) to a rearward end portion 59 of anelongated tubular supply line 60 supported on top and carried by anelongated fabricated steel boom 65. The boom 65 has a pivotal rearwardend portion 66 which supports the end portion 59 of the supply line 60,and the end portion 66 is pivoted by a hydraulic cylinder 62. Anotherflexible line or coupling 58 connects the supply line 60 to the endportion 59 of supply line 60. Both the supply line 60 and the boom 65may have substantial length, for example, on the order of 40 feet, butthe boom 65 may be telescopic, and the supply line 60 may be foldable.The forward end portion of the boom 65 is pivotally connected by auniversal or flexible coupling 68 to a laterally extending elongatedtool bar and liquid applicator 70 which is carried by and supported forvertical movement by a tractor 75 (FIG. 1). The applicator 70 has aliquid distribution line 76 (FIG. 8) connected to the forward endportion of the liquid supply line 60 by a liquid distributor 77 of thegeneral type, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,427,612,7,063,276 or 7,509,977. The liquid distribution line 76 carried by theapplicator 70 supplies the liquid to outlets or nozzles 79 (FIG. 8)located between crop rows R and directed to the ground surface orslightly below the ground surface. Different forms of crop rowapplicators are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,701,856 and7,077,070.

Referring to FIG. 2, a rearward portion of the boom 65 may be supportedby a wheel such as a caster wheel 80 which rotates on a vertical axisand may be controlled for rotation by the operator of the tractor 75.The wheel 80 is supported by arms 82 pivotal on a horizontal axis by apin 83. The rearward portion of the boom 65 may be elevated by actuationof a hydraulic cylinder 85 connected to the arms 82 and controlled fromthe tractor 75. As shown in FIGS. 4 & 5, the caster wheel 80 may besupported for pivoting only on a vertical axis and be supported by avertical tubular shaft 88 which is rotated by a hydraulic motor 90connected to the shaft 88 by a chain drive 92 (FIG. 5). The motor 90 mayalso be controlled from the tractor 75.

The equipment or apparatus described above is used for applying liquidmanure or liquid nutrients between parallel rows R of standing crops,such as rows of growing corn having spacing of thirty inches betweenrows and a height of two or three feet. The drag hose reel 15 issupported by the vehicle 35 and is located at one end of a field F whichmay have substantial length, for example, one-half mile. The tractor 75and boom 65, with the pivotal end portion 66, pull the drag hose 20 fromthe reel 15 while the liquid is being pumped through the drag hose 20from the supply source 25. The liquid is supplied to the distributorline 76 of the applicator 70 through the supply line 60 carried by theboom 65, and the applicator 75 dispenses the liquid nutrients into theground between the crop rows R. As the hose 20 is pulled from the reel15, the reel brake 38 (FIG. 7) may be applied to prevent overrunning.The reel 15 can move in an axial direction by movement of the carriage30 or by driving the vehicle wheels 39 or by movement of the tractor 38.The hose 20 may also be directed by guide rollers supported at the sideof the trailer or vehicle, as mentioned above, in order to maintain thehose 20 between two adjacent crop rows R as the hose is unwinding. Afterone course of drag hose is removed from the reel 15 as the tractor 75moves down the field, the reel 15 either moves axially in an oppositedirection for removing another course of the drag hose or the hose guiderollers at the side of the reel direct the hose between the two rows ofcrops.

When the tractor 75 and applicator 70 reach the distal or opposite endof the field F, as shown in the upper portion of FIG. 1, the applicator70 and the forward end portions of the boom 65 and supply line 60 areelevated by the tractor 75. The rearward end portion of the boom 65 andthe supported supply line 60 may remain elevated as shown in FIG. 4 ormay be elevated by pivoting the caster wheel 80 as shown in FIG. 2. Thetractor 75 then makes a U-turn causing the elevated boom 65 and supplyline 60 to pass over an outer end portion of the elevated applicator 70.The boom 65 pivots on the coupling 68 until the boom 65 projectslaterally from the tractor 75 and applicator 70, as shown in FIG. 1,causing the flexible hose 59 and couplings 58 to bend as shown in FIG. 9so that the drag hose 20 remains between the two adjacent crop rows Rwhere the drag hose was pulled the entire length of the field. While theapplicator 70 is illustrated to dispense and apply liquid nutrientsbetween twelve crop rows R, the applicator 70 is preferably constructedto dispense and apply the liquid between more than twelve crop rows, forexample between at least sixteen crop rows.

After the tractor 75 and attached applicator 70 complete the U-turn inthe parallel end rows of the crop rows which usually extendperpendicular to the crop rows R, the tractor 75 and applicator 70 arepositioned to apply liquid to another plurality or group of crop rows R,as shown in the upper portion of FIG. 1. As the tractor 75 and loweredapplicator 70 return to the first end of the field, the liquid iscontinuously supplied to the applicator 70 through the drag hose 20 andsupply line 60. As the tractor 75 and applicator 70 return to the firstend of the field, the drag hose 20 is retracted by the hose reel 15 atthe same rate of movement of the tractor 75 while the elevated supplyline 60 and boom 65 continue to project laterally from the tractor andpass over the tops of the growing crops in the crop rows R. The endportion 66 of the boom 65 remains elevated by the cylinder 62 and casterwheel 80 during the turn and return so that only a minimum of thegrowing crops in the end crop rows are damaged. While the drag hose 20is being retracted on the power driven reel 15, the reel either shiftsback and forth axially by movement of the carriage 30 or by movement ofthe vehicle 35 or is directed by the side guide rollers so that the draghose always remains between the two adjacent crop rows R during thereturn of the tractor 75 and applicator 70.

After the tractor 75 and applicator 70 arrive at the end portion of thefield where the vehicle 35 and tractor 38 are located, the drag hose 20is fully retracted on the reel 15. The vehicle 35 then moves forwardlyto position the retracted drag hose 20 to the next plurality or group ofcrop rows R, and the tractor 75 and applicator 70 make another U-turnclose to the vehicle 35. The above cycle is repeated until the entirefield has received the liquid nutrients or liquid manure between thecrop rows R. The movement and operation of the vehicle 35 and therotation of the reel 15 may be controlled from the tractor 75 by use ofa global positioning system such as a GPS Guided Tractor System. Duringthe entire movement of the tractor 75 and applicator 70 back and forthalong the length of the field, liquid is preferably suppliedcontinuously to the applicator. If it is necessary to stop the flow ofliquid to the applicator 70 momentarily while the tractor 75 makes aU-turn at the opposite ends of the field, a small liquid cumulator tankmay be carried by the tractor 75 or by the vehicle 35 and be connectedto the drag hose supply line 22 or to the applicator supply line 60 onthe boom 65.

FIGS. 10-24 are directed to another embodiment of the invention andwhich primarily includes another form of applicator 80 which has atongue 82 connected by a pivotal hitch 84 to the tow bar of tractor 85having wheels 86 positioned to move between the rows R of standing cropsgrowing in a field. The tongue 82 is constructed with a center tow framemember 87 and a pair of angular tow frame members 88 which are pivotallyconnected to the hitch 84 and releasably connected to two foldable wings92 and 94 of the applicator 80. Each wing 92 and 94 of the applicatorhas an elongated tool bar or frame member 98 (FIG. 14) which issupported by a set of retractable wheels 102 (FIG. 16). Each wheel 102is supported by an arm 104 pivotally connected to a bracket 106 clampedto the frame member 98 and projects forwardly from the frame member 98.Each arm 104 is retractable up and down by activation of a hydrauliccylinder 108 controlled from the tractor 85 to raise and lower theapplicator 80. As shown in FIGS. 10-12, the applicator 80 is about 60feet long and distributes liquid nutrients uniformly between 25 rows Rof crops. However, the applicator may be constructed shorter or longerdepending on any factors, such as the size of the field, the size of thetractor and the type of crops.

As shown in FIG. 13, the wheels 102 are spaced on opposite sides of thecenter tongue member 87, and the wheels are spaced to go between therows R of standing crops. Retractable wheels, such as the wheels 102,are commonly used on planters for planting seeds in fields.

The drag hose 20 extending from the hose reel 15 has an outer endportion connected by a flexible hose coupling 105, with angle limitingchains 106, to a rotatable or swivel right angle coupling 115 (FIGS. 20& 21) to the outer end portion of an elongated tubular arm or conduit orboom 120 (FIGS. 14, 20 & 21) through which liquid flows. The oppositeend portion of the boom is connected by a rotatable or swivel tubularright angle coupling 122 (FIG. 14) to one end of an elongated conduit125 which extends inwardly from one end of the applicator 80 to amanifold or fluid distribution box 130. The inner end of the tubular armor boom 120 is supported for rotatable movement by a swivel coupling 122and is supported for vertical pivot movement by a flexible coupling 134(FIG. 14). The inlet of the tubular conduit or boom 120, which isconnected to the drag hose 20, is normally supported above the ground byan inclined flexible brace 136 which has an outer end pivotallyconnected to the boom 120 (FIG. 21). The opposite end portion of thebrace 136 is pivotally connected to a rotatable bracket 139 (FIG. 14)mounted on the top end of a vertical post 140 having a bottom endportion secured to an end portion of the tool bar or frame member 98 forthe wing 94 of the applicator.

The outer end portion of the tool bar or frame member 98 is supported bya vertically adjustable wheel 142 (FIG. 14). The tubular conduit or boom120 is free to pivot or swivel on a vertical axis through an angle ofover 180 degrees. The inlet end portion of the boom 120 (FIG. 21)receives liquid nutrients from the drag hose 20 through the rotatablecoupling 115. The coupling has a support shoe 145 (FIG. 18) which isrigidly connected to the coupling 115 to prevent the coupling 115 fromcontacting the ground in the event the wing 94 of the applicator 80tilts downwardly due to uneven ground surface.

As shown in FIGS. 20 & 21, a cable winch 150 is driven by a hydraulicmotor 152, and a cable 155 extends from the winch 150 with the outer endof the cable 155 connected to the boom 120. The hydraulic motor 152 iscontrolled from the tractor 85 to retract the boom 120 when the tractor,applicator 80 and boom extending outwardly from the applicator (FIG.11), make a U-turn at the inner or home end of the field for applyingliquid nutrient to another group of parallel rows of standing cropsgrowing in the field.

Referring to FIGS. 14, 20 & 21, each of the wings 92 and 94 of theapplicator 80 also supports and carries a liquid distribution conduitfor the liquid which is received through the drag hose 20, tubular boom120, conduit 125 and manifold distribution box 130. Two conduits 164 and166 (FIG. 14) supply liquid from the manifold 130 to an elongateddistribution conduit or duct 170 at longitudinally spaced intervals forthe right wing 94 of the applicator 80. Two conduits 174 and 176 (FIG.14) supply liquid at longitudinally spaced intervals to an elongatedconduit or duct 190 (FIG. 15) extending along the left wing 92 of theapplicator 80. Preferably, the distribution ducts 170 and 190 have asquare or rectangular cross-sectional configuration and may be formedfrom metal tubing.

Liquid distribution ducts 170 and 190 have longitudinally spaced outlets194 (FIG. 22) on the top wall, one in-between adjacent rows R of crops.As shown in FIGS. 16 & 17, each outlet 194 supplies liquid to acorresponding dispensing coulter unit 200 and between a pair of coulterdisks 205 through tubes 208 and 209. As shown in FIGS. 23 & 24, eachcoulter unit 200 includes a pair of circular hub plates 212 to which thedisks 205 are removably attached by threaded fasteners (not shown). Thehub plates 212 are rigidly connected by a center shaft 214 (FIG. 24)which receives a bushing 216 adjacent each of the hub plates 212, andthe bushings 216 project into opposite ends of a center mounting tube218. The mounting tube 218 is secured to the lower end portion of theliquid outlet tube 209 (FIG. 23) by a pair of U-bolts 221 and nuts 222.Thus the assembly of the disks 205 connected by the spool formed by theplates 212, shaft 214, bushings 216 and mounting tube 218 may beconveniently removed for quick replacement with another assembly. Thedisks 205 may also be removed from the plates 212 for replacement. Asshown in FIG. 17, the lower discharge tube 209 of each fluid dispensingunit 200 is pivotally supported by a cross-pin 226, and a shock absorber230 has opposite end portions pivotally connected to the outlet tube 209and to a bracket mounted on the bottom of the corresponding liquiddistribution ducts 160 and 170.

Referring to FIG. 22, the liquid outlet 194 for each dispensing tube 208for each outlet tube 209 is within the top wall of the correspondingconduit or duct 160 or 170. Under the top wall of the duct an elongatedshuttle knife or blade 235 is supported. The blade 235 has an openingfor each of the outlets 194, and the blade 235 is reciprocatedcontinuously while liquid is flowing by a hydraulic cylinder 238 toreduce or crush any solids that may be flowing in a liquid.

Referring to FIGS. 10, 18 & 19, the drag hose 20 is pulled towards thesecond or opposite end of the field with the drag hose 20 aligned withthe center of the tractor and through the applicator 80 in order toavoid twisting of the tractor by the substantial pulling force by thetractor which may be over thirty thousand pounds. The alignment alsokeeps the applicator 80 substantially normal or perpendicular to thecrop rows R at all times while the tractor and applicator are movingexcept for making the U-turns at the opposite end of the field. Thuswhile the applicator 80 is being pulled by the tractor 85 towards theopposite end of the field, the rotatable or swivel coupling 115, whichconnects the drag hose 20 to the boom 120, is connected by a releasablehitch 250 (FIGS. 18 & 19) to the center of the applicator 80 inalignment with the center tongue member 87 aligned with the center ofthe tractor. The releasable hitch 250 includes a plate 252 which extendsrearwardly from the tongue member 87 and through the applicator 80 (FIG.20) between the opposing inner ends of the ducts 160 and 170. Therearward end portion of the plate 252 (FIG. 18) pivotally supports alatch plate 254 which carries a loop 257 for receiving and engaging aball 260 secured to the forward end of the swivel coupling 115.

The coupling 115 also supports a cam plate 262 (FIG. 18) which isengaged by a pin 264 to lift the latch plate and loop 257 for engagingthe ball 260 when the boom 120 swings from its extended position (FIG.11) back to its retracted position with the aid of the cable 155 on thewench 150 to the outgoing or home position of the tractor and applicatorshown in FIGS. 10 & 13. As shown in FIG. 18, when it is desired for theboom 120 to swing or pivot to the return position of the tractor andapplicator (FIG. 11), the latch 250 is released by actuation of ahydraulic cylinder 270 controlled from the tractor 85 for tilting thelatch plate 254 and loop 257 above the ball 260. The boom 120 may thenswing to the return position (FIG. 11) at the opposite end of the fieldfor returning the tractor and applicator back to the first end of thefield.

FIGS. 25-34 show another embodiment of apparatus used for applyingliquid nutrients to parallel rows R of standing crops growing in a fieldF. The apparatus includes an elongated applicator 300 formed by atubular frame or toolbar 305 having a rectangular cross section anddefining a longitudinally extending conduit for the nutrients. Thetoolbar 305 has an inner section 307 and an outer section 309 connectedby a hinge 311 to provide for folding the outer section 309 upwardlyabove the inner section 307 for transporting the applicator.

Liquid nutrients or manure is supplied to one end of the applicator 300through a drag hose 315 pivotally connected to an elongated tubular boom318 by a flexible tubular coupling 319 and a vertical tubular post orconduit 322 secured to an end portion of the tubular toolbar 305 andconnected to the boom 318 by a flexible tubular coupling 324. The boom318 is pivoted between a downwardly inclined position (FIG. 25) and anupwardly projecting position (FIG. 27) by a hydraulic cylinder 326pivotally connected to the boom 318 and to the vertical conduit 322.

The inner end portion of the toolbar 305 is supported by the tubularconduit 322 which has a lower end secured to and supported by aninverted U-shaped frame or bracket 328 of a power driven tractor ortrack unit 330 in the form of an endless flexible rubber track 332extending around end wheels 334. The driven track unit 330 iscommercially available, for example, by Elmers Manufacturing Ltd. andhas one or more internal hydraulic motors for driving one or both wheels334 around which the endless track 332 extends. Pressurized hydraulicfluid is supplied to the motor or motors by a hydraulic pump 340 drivenby a power unit 345 carried by the applicator 300. The power unit 345may be, for example, a self contained diesel engine connected to drive ahydraulic pump 340 which is also connected to actuate the hydrauliccylinder 326 for pivoting the tubular boom 318 between its lower andupper positions shown in FIGS. 25 and 27. The endless track unit mayalso be driven by an internal electric motor which receives electricalpower from a power unit in the form of a generator driven by a dieselengine and carried by the applicator 300.

The liquid nutrients or manure is pumped through the drag hose 315, boom318 and support tube 322 into one end of the toolbar 305 of theapplicator 300 and is distributed between the rows of standing cropsthrough longitudinally spaced elongated applicator units 350. Each unit350 includes a tubular arm or conduit member 352 having an upper endpivotally connected to the toolbar 305 by a bracket 353 and alsoconnected by a flexible tube so that the liquid manure within thetoolbar 305 flows into each of the tubes 352 of the applicator units350. Each of the tubes 352 is pivoted between a lower inclined position(FIG. 25) for application between crop rows and a generally horizontalupper retracted position for turning the applicator by actuating ahydraulic cylinder 355 with controlled hydraulic fluid from the pump340. Preferably, the lower end portion of each applicator tube 352supports a coulter unit 200, as described above in connection with FIGS.15-17. The coulter units 200 are effective to loosen the ground wherethe liquid nutrients are inserted into the ground.

As also shown in FIGS. 25 & 26, the applicator 300 includes a secondpower driven tractor unit or track unit 330 which is constructedsubstantially the same as the first described tract unit 330. The secondunit 330 supports the outer end portion of the toolbar inner section 307by a frame 360 connected to the toolbar section 307. The hydraulicmotors within the wheels 334 of the second endless track unit 330 arealso powered by controlled hydraulic fluid supplied from the hydraulicpump 340 of the power unit 345.

Referring to FIGS. 28-30, the apparatus or applicator 300 describedabove in FIGS. 25-27 applies liquid nutrients to standing crops whichmay be of many different heights in parallel rows R. The drag hose 315extends from the hose reel 15′ supported by a vehicle 35′, as describedin U.S. Pat. No. 10,189,673. The hose 315 is connected to the flexibletubular coupling 319 of the applicator 300 and liquid nutrients arepumped into the toolbar 305 of the applicator 300. The two tractor unitsor track units 330 are then simultaneously operated so that the powerdriven endless tracts 332 cooperate to pull the drag hose 315 from thepower driven unwinding hose reel 15′. The liquid pumped through the draghose 315 is placed into the ground between the rows of crops through theapplicator units 350 extending downwardly and rearwardly from thetoolbar, as shown in FIG. 30. The two tractor or track units 330 areindividually controlled, for example, by a GPS control system whichinsures that the endless tracks 332 of the track units 330 and all ofthe applicator units 350 are maintained between the two adjacentparallel rows R of standing crops as the applicator 300 moves from thefirst end of the field F1 to the opposite end of the same field F2, asshown in FIG. 28.

The applicator 300 is moved the full length of the field F1 and F2 bythe two track units 330 until the applicator 300 arrives at the oppositeend of the field. At this point, the track unit 330 supporting the inletend of the tool bar 305 is essentially stopped. The inner or secondtrack unit 330 continues to operate and pivots the applicator 300 on thevertical axis of the support tube 322 and thru 180 degrees. During theturn at the end of the field, the applicators 350 may be pivotedupwardly, as shown in FIG. 27, to minimize damage to the crops. However,liquid nutrients may continue to flowing through the applicator units350 while the units are elevated as shown in FIG. 27 in order to applynutrients to any crops at the end of the field.

Both of the track units 330 are then driven at the same speed while theapplicator 300 returns to the first end of the field. If desired, thesupply boom 318 may be pivoted upwardly during return of the applicator300 as shown in FIGS. 29 and 31 to allow for some variation in theretraction of the drag hose 315 by the hose reel 15′ and the returnspeed of the applicator 300.

When the applicator 300 arrives at the first end of the field in frontof the hose reel 15′ (FIG. 34), the applicator units 350 are pivotedupwardly while the applicator 300 turns 180 degrees. The hose reel 15′is moved axially to the next adjacent group of crop rows and the trackunits 330 move the applicator where the applicator 300 is perpendicularto the next group of crop rows and the track units are parallel betweenthe rows, after which the nutrient application steps are repeated.

It is apparent from the drawings and the above description, that thesystem or method and apparatus for applying liquid nutrients betweenparallel rows of standing crops growing in a field provides a number ofdesirable features and advantages. For example, by keeping the drag hose20 or 315 on the reel 15 or 15′ filled with liquid nutrients, which isthe heaviest component of the system, at one end of the field and onlypulling the drag hose 20 or 315 through the field with the tractor 75 or85 or track units 330 attached applicator 70 or 80 or 300, a very longdrag hose may be used, and the compaction of the soil is minimized. Inaddition, the growing crops receive substantially all of the nutrientswithin the liquid at a time when the nutrients provide the greatestbenefit to the crops. Also, by applying the liquid nutrients when thecrops are growing and after heavy spring rains have passed, the chanceof the nutrients leaching into streams adjacent the field is greatlyreduced because the nutrients move through the soil into the growingcrops when the crops are best able to absorb and utilize the nutrients.

The system for applying the liquid nutrients in accordance with theinvention also results in minimizing damage to the standing crops,including minimal damage in the perpendicular end rows of crops. Theapparatus also has components which provide desirable features, such as,for example, the construction of the coulter unit 200 including theassembly of the disks 205 and the support of the disks as describedusing the components of FIG. 24. Rapid replacement of the coulter unitscan save substantial time in the field.

The applicator system of FIGS. 25-34 also provides additional desirableadvantages. For example, the system can be made autonomous with remotecontrols for the track units 330, the power plant 345, the hydraulicpump, motor and cylinders as well as operation of the vehicle 35′ andaxial movement of the hose reel 15′. This reduces the labor involved inoperating the equipment for applying liquid nutrients. In addition, thesystem allows the application to row crops of any height, which greatlyextends the time period or window for applying nutrients to growingcrops. The self-propelled applicator with the narrow track units 330 notonly reduces labor but also uses less fuel.

While the methods and forms of apparatus herein described constituteembodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the inventionis not limited to precise methods and forms of apparatus described, andthat changes made therein without departing from the scope of theinvention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. Apparatus adapted for applying liquid nutrientsto parallel rows of standing crops growing in a field with minimaldamage to the crops, the apparatus comprising an elongated drag hosewound onto a power driven hose reel with the drag hose having an inletand an outlet, a vehicle supporting the hose reel for axial movement ofthe hose reel adjacent a first end of the field and perpendicular to therows of crops, the drag hose extending from the hose reel to anelongated applicator connected to longitudinally spaced endless trackunits positioned to move between the rows of standing crops and with theapplicator extending transversely relative to the track units, the draghose extending longitudinally from the hose reel between two of theparallel rows of crops and connected to a liquid distribution system ofthe applicator with the distribution system having outlets locatedbetween the rows of crops, a pump for pumping the liquid nutrients froma supply source into the inlet of the drag hose supported by the hosereel, the track units connected to pull the drag hose from the hose reeland between the two rows of crops while the applicator and distributionsystem supply the liquid nutrients to a first group of parallel rows ofstanding crops, the applicator being operable to turn at an oppositesecond end of the field while the applicator is elevated relative to thecrops for positioning the applicator extending transversely to a secondgroup of parallel rows of crops, the liquid nutrients being suppliedthrough the drag hose and distribution system to the second group ofrows of crops while the track units and applicator return to the firstend of the field, the drag hose being maintained between the two rows ofcrops with the applicator extending transversely relative to the trackunits while the drag hose is being rewound onto the hose reelsynchronized with the return of the track units and applicator, thevehicle is operable to move the hose reel axially to a third group ofrows of crops where the track units and applicator are positioned toapply the liquid nutrients to the third group of the parallel rows ofcrops, a power unit connected to the applicator to provide power fordriving the endless track units, and a boom pivotally connected to thedrag hose and to the applicator, and a power actuator operated by thepower unit and connected to move the boom between a lower position andan upper position for raising and lowering an end portion of the draghose.
 2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the distribution systemon the applicator includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced liquidnutrient supply tubes movable between a downwardly projecting lowerposition and an upper retracted position, and power actuators operatedby the power unit and connected to move the supply tubes between thelower and upper positions.
 3. Apparatus adapted for applying liquidnutrients to parallel rows of standing crops growing in a field withminimal damage to the crops, the apparatus comprising an elongated draghose wound onto a power driven hose reel with the drag hose having aninlet and an outlet, a vehicle supporting the hose reel for axialmovement of the hose reel adjacent a first end of the field andperpendicular to the rows of crops, the drag hose extending from thehose reel to one end portion of an elongated applicator by a verticallymovable boom, a set of longitudinally spaced tractor units connected tothe applicator and positioned to move between the rows of standing cropsand with the applicator extending transversely relative to the tractorunits, the drag hose extending longitudinally from the hose reel betweentwo of the parallel rows of crops and connected to a liquid distributionsystem of the applicator with the distribution system having pivotallysupported arms with outlets located between the rows of crops, at leastone tractor unit positioned between two of the arms with the outlets, apump for pumping the liquid nutrients from a supply source into theinlet of the drag hose supported by the hose reel, the tractor unitsconnected to pull the drag hose from the hose reel and between the tworows of crops while the applicator and distribution system supply theliquid nutrients to a first group of parallel rows of standing crops,the applicator being operable to turn at an opposite second end of thefield while the arms of the applicator are elevated relative to thecrops for positioning the applicator extending transversely to a secondgroup of parallel rows of crops, the liquid nutrients being suppliedthrough the drag hose and distribution system to the second group ofrows of crops while the tractor units and applicator return to the firstend of the field, the drag hose being maintained between the two rows ofcrops with the applicator extending transversely relative to the tractorunits while the drag hose is being rewound onto the hose reelsynchronized with the return of the tractor units and applicator, andthe vehicle is operable to move the hose reel axially to a third groupof rows of crops where the tractor units and applicator are positionedto apply the liquid nutrients to the third group of the parallel rows ofcrops.
 4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3 and including a power unitconnected to the applicator to provide power for driving the tractorunits.
 5. Apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein the distributionsystem on the applicator includes a plurality of longitudinally spacedliquid nutrient supply tubes movable between a downwardly projectinglower position and an upper retracted position, and power actuatorsoperated by a power unit and connected to move the supply tubes betweenthe lower and upper positions.
 6. Apparatus as defined in claim 3wherein the boom is pivotally connected to the drag hose and to one endportion of the applicator, and a power actuator connected to move theboom between a lower position and an upper position for raising andlowering an end portion of the drag hose.
 7. Apparatus as defined inclaim 3 wherein an end portion of the applicator is connected to one ofthe tractor units for rotation on a substantially vertical axis adjacentthe one tractor unit.
 8. Apparatus as defined in claim 3 and including apower unit supported by the applicator above the tractor units andcomprising an engine driving a hydraulic pump connected to a hydraulicmotor within each of the tractor units for driving the tractor units. 9.Apparatus as defined in claim 3 and including a power unit supported bythe applicator above the tractor units and comprising an engine drivingan electric generator connected to an electric motor within each of thetractor units for driving the tractor units.